From injury to pitching standouts, Astros Arizona Fall League updates

While all is quiet in free agency, let’s take another look at the Astros prospects in the Arizona Fall League, starting with an injury to speedy outfielder Jay Austin.

Keep in mind when looking at the stats that the triple-slash offensive stats are average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage and keep in mind something about the league.

The Arizona Fall League is a fairly extreme hitter’s league as a lot of pitchers who have had full and productive seasons are held out. Pitchers are often ones coming off injuries or perhaps transitions to starting for the sake of getting them more innings.

Thus the league batting average is a lofty .288 and the slugging percentage is .435.

Hitters

Jay Austin (OF)

12 GP, .156/.269/.156, 0 HR, 7 RBI

Has been out with a hamstring strain since Oct. 30 and had been working toward a return, but it was decided today that he would not return to the Fall League this season. He will remain in Arizona to rehab, and the injury is not considered serious, according to director of player development Fred Nelson.

Brandon Barnes (OF)

16 GP, .269/.310/.493, 3 HR, 13 RBI

After getting regular playing time no higher than high Class A, has filled in admirably following promotion from the taxi squad.

Koby Clemens (1B)

16 GP, .313/.352/.507, 2 HR, 13 RBI

Five doubles for one of the more powerful righthanded hitters in the organization.

J.B. Shuck (OF)

5 GP, .350/.435/.500, 0 HR, 1 RBI

Most advanced Astros hitter in the league was shut down with a knee injury after just a week.

Pitchers

David Carpenter (RHP)

6 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 8 K

Incoming half of August Pedro Feliz trade has given up a run in last four relief appearances.

Kyle Greenwalt (RHP)

15 1/3 IP, 15 H, 9 R (7 ER), 7 BB, 12 K

Survived taking the force of a comebacker to pitch two innings in his last start as part of a strong campaign in the hitter’s league.

Matt Nevarez (RHP)

5 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 3 K

Has been dealing with some soreness, but he’s back on track, according to Nelson.

Patrick Urckfitz (LHP)

9 2/3 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 7 K

Undrafted pitcher continuing his breakout campaign in relief after moving to starting in the middle of the season.